While the beach is just a short drive for Sun City residents, the Urbanskis decided to bring the surf and sand even closer.

Kay and Walter Urbanski moved to Sun City six years ago from Marietta, Ga. After working in hospital administration in Atlanta, the couple decided to retire close to the beach.

“We both visited Hilton Head on vacations before and loved the area,” Kay Urbanski said. “Walter grew up just minutes away from the beach in Long Island so we wanted a place that was close to the beach.”

In 2006, the couple toured Sun City and bought a house that weekend. Shortly after, they married and said they love living in a place where there is so much to do. After building their screened-in porch two years ago, Walter Urbanski wanted to take it a step farther. Six months ago, he finished the beachfront property. Since the Urbanski’s backyard is a lagoon, the couple decided to remove all the pine straw and mulch and lay down white beach sand. They’ve planted beach grass which grows on the sand dunes to create a more beach atmosphere.

“I saw it in a magazine about how someone laid white beach sand down instead of the regular mulch,” Walter Urbanski said. “I thought it was a great idea and I suggested it to Kay. I picked up the white sand and we’ve kept expanding it.”

Walter Urbanski said he enjoys waking up every morning and seeing what animal tracks are in the sand. While there is an alligator in the lagoon, it has not adventured close to the Urbanski’s “beach.” However, Walter Urbanski often sees deer, bird and even snake tracks in the sand.

“The only thing that isn’t like a beach, is the alligator,” Kay Urbanski said. “There’s no alligators at the beach.”

The Urbanski’s beachfront property is a unique feature in Sun City. Neighbor Corby Cleveland said it makes you feel warm even when the cold weather approaches.

“It is beautiful and I think in a year when my grandchildren visit, they might bring a shovel and pail over,” Cleveland said. “It is better than looking down at pine straw and mulch or white gravel like others have done with their backyard.”

The Urbanski’s other neighbors have donated seashells to add to the beautiful beach scene. Since their home faces the west, they enjoy sitting outside to watch the sun set over the lagoon.

“It is my favorite place to sit,” Walter Urbanski said. “We are out here everyday.”

Besides hosting people on their beachfront property, Walter and Kay Urbanski are involved with the softball club and enjoy playing tennis. Kay Urbanski also works from home for CareCore National — Bluffton’s largest employer.

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